Q&A for How to Be a More Flexible Gymnast

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  • Question
    What are the best stretches for gymnastics?
    Tanya Berenson
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Tanya Berenson is a Gymnastics Instructor and the General Manager of the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. With over 25 years of professional gymnastics experience, Tanya has also served as a consultant to USA Gymnastics, has served as the USA World Maccabi Games Head Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and RAS counselor. She holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Expert Answer
    There are many stretches that gymnasts should do to make sure they are flexible all over. Do whatever stretches you feel comfortable with. Just make sure that you are stretching properly and feeling a little pressure/discomfort—but not too much, or you may injure yourself.
  • Question
    I've been practicing my splits for a while and still haven't quite gotten it. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    Stretch and try the splits everyday. If that does not help try going to yoga, dance, or gymnastic classes near you.
  • Question
    Is 13 too old to begin pursuing gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    Thirteen is not too old to begin pursuing gymnastics but you will have to work really hard to improve quickly. It might be a little harder to become flexible at this age, so you'll need to work harder and longer to bring your skills base up to scratch.
  • Question
    How can I do a front walkover without falling?
    Community Answer
    Practice on a soft area until you get it right. Ask a coach or knowledgeable friend to watch you and point out any areas you may be making a mistake.
  • Question
    How do I overcome the fear to do a backend?
    Community Answer
    Have someone spot you. Then, go down and do it on the wall.
  • Question
    How do I do a back walkover?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to do a backbend from standing and a kick over first. Once you have that, try starting with one leg in front and go into a bridge and then kick over faster. When you have mastered that try lifting your leg a you go back and then all that is left to do is kick over.
  • Question
    How do I do a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    This article should help: how to do a back handspring .
  • Question
    I have been doing gymnastics since I was 6, but I still cannot do a round-off. Any advice?
    Community Answer
    Consistently practice cartwheels, and once you're fully confident with that, add a run up. Once you've practiced that, try to add a bit of a bounce. Finally, practice your round off over and over again.
  • Question
    Do I have to do gymnastics to become flexible?
    Community Answer
    No. There are non-gymnastics articles on becoming flexible here, such as How to Become Flexible .
  • Question
    How do I do a press handstand?
    Community Answer
    You need to know how to do middle splits and handstands. Start by putting your hands against the floor on a mat.
  • Question
    How do I put my legs up in a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Put your hands on the ground, and push off with your legs to kick over your head.
  • Question
    How do I become more confident with my cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Practice doing cartwheels on a mat or in a soft grassy area. Once you have removed the threat of a painful fall, you will gain speed and confidence in your cartwheel. Work your way up to a hard floor.
  • Question
    How can I get over the fear of gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    Every day do simple stretches and challenge yourself, then once you're confident, move on to harder ones, and keep doing that for at least a month. Then, move on to really easy gymnastics like a forward roll, and then continue with more advanced moves. Make sure you have someone to spot/supervise you while you get the hang of the moves.
  • Question
    Can stretching too much be harmful?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Stretching too far, or too often, can pull muscles and cause injury. Make sure to start gently, and don't push your stretches too far. Gentle stretching before and after a workout can decrease the risk of injury.
  • Question
    How tall is too tall for gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    There is no upper height limit.
  • Question
    How do I overcome the fear of being injured when doing gymnastic moves?
    Community Answer
    Stay positive and always stretch! Stretching is the most important thing to avoid injury. Injuries are bound to happen, but you can minimize their severity.
  • Question
    Is it too late to start gymnastics at nine years old?
    Community Answer
    No, but the sooner you start, the better!
  • Question
    Is 15 too old to start gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    If you want to go to the Olympics, yes. If you just want to be a gymnast for fun, fitness, etc., there is no age restriction.
  • Question
    How do I develop a good shoulder flexibility?
    Community Answer
    You can simply put your hands straight by your side, and roll your shoulders forwards and backwards.
  • Question
    Is age 22 too late to begin gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    It's really never too late to start doing gymnastics, just be aware that you're probably too old to have any kind of competitive career in the sport.
  • Question
    Where can I go to learn gymnastics if I have never done it before and I am 13?
    Community Answer
    If your school has a gymnastics club, you can do that, or ask people in your area if there is anywhere near you that has a club for it.
  • Question
    Do I have to be flexible to do gymnastics? I'm only flexible in my legs.
    Community Answer
    If you want to do gymnastics and compete, you will need to be flexible In all areas of your body. If you want to do it for fun and just learn basic skills, you don't really need to be flexible everywhere.
  • Question
    How can I practice gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    You can take classes, and stretching at home can help with improvement in gymnastics. You may also want to practice basics such as cartwheels, handstands, and rolls.
  • Question
    Is 18 too old to begin pursuing gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    18 is too late to be an Olympic gymnast, but it's certainly not too late to pursue gymnastics for fitness and fun.
  • Question
    Is 21 too old for getting flexible like a gymnast?
    Community Answer
    It's not impossible, but it is not going to be easy. It would have to be a top priority, and would take lots of practice and motivation.
  • Question
    What level would I learn a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    You need to complete a back handspring for level 3, but you will most likely start learning it in level 2.
  • Question
    How long will it take to be flexible?
    Community Answer
    It just depends how often you stretch. The more often you stretch, the quicker you will become flexible.
  • Question
    How can I do an arial
    Community Answer
    See wikiHow's article on how to do an aerial cartwheel .
  • Question
    What does it mean if I am more flexible with one leg than the other? Is this a sign of a problem?
    Community Answer
    Being less flexible on one side is very normal. We tend to favor our dominant side, so sometimes we spend more time working on that side than we realize. Try focusing on the less flexible side at the beginning of stretching workouts to make sure you don't neglect it.
  • Question
    Can I become a contortionist the first day I do it?
    Community Answer
    Not usually, but if you want to become a contortionist, keep practicing and taking more risks.
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